Theodore Roosevelt--TR--and his posse colloquially known as the Rough Riders-- appear to be the inspiration for the very fine bourbons Long Island Spirits produce at their distillery on the North Fork of Long Island in Suffolk County. Rough Riders aside, their small batch, limited release Cask Strength “The Happy Warrior” bourbon is anything but rough. A little bit spicy, perhaps: The high rye mash bill—60 percent corn, 35 percent rye, and 5 percent barley, gives the bourbon a lovely piquant note, but the overall experience is splendidly delicious, smooth and warm. This is a rare, layered beauty, delivering notes of vanilla, dulce de leche and complexity.
Each year, the distillery releases a very limited quantity--fewer than a couple of hundred cases—of The Happy Warrior. After initially aging its straight bourbon in new oak barrels, Long Island Spirits hand picks five barrels to age for another 4 to 7 years in French oak casks from local wineries that they’ve rinsed with high proof brandy. When the angels are smiling, Long Island Spirits bottles The Happy Warrior straight from the cask (which means that no water is added) at 114 proof.
TR is known for the expression, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.” When it comes to The Happy Warrior, you can whisper, “Hello, gorgeous” and carry a glass and an ice cube. That’s all you’ll need.
La Bourbonessa
Barbara Chapman
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